A sprained ankle often looks better long before it feels better. Even after the swelling fades, pain from a sprained ankle can remain for weeks or months. This lingering pain is a sign that deeper tissues are still healing. When a sprain happens, the ligaments that stabilize the ankle stretch or tear. These structures connect bone to bone and provide support during movement. When damaged, they require more time to regain strength and flexibility. Many people return to normal activity too quickly, which can slow recovery and cause recurring pain.
What Happens During an Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain usually occurs when the foot rolls inward or outward, stretching the ligaments beyond their limit. This sudden motion can cause small tears and bleeding within the tissue, leading to swelling, stiffness, and tenderness. Even mild sprains can weaken the muscles and nerves that control ankle stability. When these structures do not fully recover, balance and coordination decline, and pain continues even after visible signs of injury improve.
Why Pain Persists After Swelling Decreases
Swelling is the body’s immediate response to injury, but once it subsides, the repair process is still ongoing. The fibers that make up ligaments heal slowly because they receive limited blood flow. As they rebuild, new tissue is less organized and more fragile. This means the ankle can still feel sore or unstable even though it looks normal. Persistent pain may also occur due to stiffness in surrounding joints, reduced muscle strength, or lingering inflammation.
Another common reason pain from a sprained ankle lingers is that the body subconsciously avoids putting full weight on the injured side. This compensation changes walking patterns and puts extra strain on other muscles. Over time, the uneven movement reinforces the discomfort and delays full recovery.
Other Factors That Affect Healing
Severity of the Sprain
- Moderate or severe sprains take longer to heal than minor ones.
Inadequate Rest or Early Activity
- Returning to sports or exercise too soon can re-injure the healing tissue.
Weak Muscles or Poor Balance
- These limit ankle control and make pain more likely to persist.
Scar Tissue Formation
- Stiffness around healing ligaments can restrict motion and cause aching during movement.
Understanding these factors helps patients see that pain does not always mean new damage but rather an incomplete recovery.
How Physical Therapy Addresses Lingering Pain
Physical therapy plays a vital role in resolving pain from a sprained ankle. Therapists focus on restoring strength, mobility, and joint stability so that the ankle can move without strain. A personalized therapy plan encourages safe, gradual loading of the injured ligaments, which helps realign healing fibers and improve function.
Typical Physical Therapy Components
Manual Therapy
- Gentle techniques to reduce stiffness and restore mobility in the ankle joint.
Strengthening Exercises
- Gradual resistance work to rebuild the muscles that support the foot and leg.
Balance and Proprioception Training
- Activities that retrain coordination and help prevent future sprains.
Stretching
- Targeted mobility exercises to ease tightness and restore a normal range of motion.
Education
- Guidance on proper footwear, warm-up routines, and safe activity progression.
Research supports early movement and progressive strengthening rather than prolonged rest. Keeping the ankle still for too long can lead to weakness, joint stiffness, and delayed healing. Controlled movement, under the direction of a physical therapist, promotes blood flow and helps the tissue remodel properly.
What to Expect from Treatment at College Park Physical Therapy
At College Park Physical Therapy, your licensed physical therapist will begin with a full evaluation to identify the cause of ongoing pain. They will assess ankle strength, mobility, and walking mechanics. Based on your findings, your therapist will create a personalized program designed to restore comfort and confidence in your ankle. You will receive guided exercises, manual therapy, and education to help you recover safely and prevent future injury. Each session builds upon your progress, promoting healing while reducing discomfort.
Getting Back to Pain-Free Movement
Lingering pain from a sprained ankle does not mean permanent damage, but it is a signal that your body needs more support to finish healing. Physical therapy provides the structure and guidance necessary for complete recovery. With consistent care, most patients regain full strength and motion within weeks.
Contact College Park Physical Therapy today to learn how our experienced therapists can help you move confidently again.
